Climb Mount Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Planet

We use local professional mountain guides in Ecuador who are ASEGUIM certified on all our mountaineering trips. We work with local porters and arrieros (mule drivers), and use mules to carry equipment. Where possible, we buy food and supplies from local markets and choose products with minimal packaging.

We aim to support good employment practices across our trips. Our staff, including porters and guides, are paid fairly. We encourage our clients to interact with their hosts, creating opportunities to learn about the communities, cultures and environments they are visiting.

We keep our group sizes small which reduces their impact. In fragile mountain environments, we follow “leave no trace” practices. This includes carrying waste out of the mountains and following strict procedures for sanitation and water. For example, we do not wash dishes in rivers or lakes and locate bathrooms at least 50 metres from water bodies.

We support charitable and conservation organisations in South America. Huchuy Yachaq is the main Peruvian charity we support. We also donate to organisations working in nature and wildlife conservation, including the Galapagos Conservation Trust, LATA Foundation, ECOAN and Rainforest Concern.

These contributions include support for reforestation in the Peruvian Andes and conservation work in the Galapagos.

In our UK office, we take practical steps to reduce energy and resource use. These include switching equipment off overnight, using energy-efficient light bulbs, recycling office waste and encouraging colleagues to walk or cycle to work. We also share office space with another company. Where possible, we choose products that meet recognised environmental or fair-trade standards.

People

We work with local people on our trips and use locally-based specialist agents who understand the communities in which they operate. Where possible, we work with locally-owned hotels and restaurants. These partners in turn employ local trek staff, including porters, muleteers, cooks and guides.

We source fresh produce from small shops and markets in and around departure towns and villages where practical, and generally prefer locally available products over imported alternatives when suitable. We use public transport whenever practical and provide opportunities for our guests to meet local people, visit villages and markets, and learn about the culture and communities of our hosts.

Through our donations and membership fees, our customers' trips have contributed to charitable and community projects across South America.

Our contributions to Huchuy Yachaq have supported the education of Peruvian Quechua children, including funding for a teacher's salary, library materials and school maintenance. We have also supported the organisation with website hosting and equipment, including photocopiers, computers and other school supplies.